Relief
"She has renounced her claim on the Son of Adam."
A staggering breath escaped the four Pevensies. The nightmare was over. Aslan's words were met with wild cheering; Peter and Susan each placed an arm around Edmund's shoulders while Lucy grinned. However, the shouts died down when the Witch's voice rose above the cheers to demand how she knew Aslan's promise would be kept. All eyes flicked between the two with confusion.
The confusion turned into laughter and renewed celebration when the Lion answered only with a great roar. The Witch half-fell and half-sat in her litter, which was quickly carried away from the camp.
Edmund followed the Witch and her party's progress for a moment before looking at Aslan. The Lion nodded his head ever so slightly. His eyes seemed brighter than the stars; an unnamable emotion was in their depths.
The boy smiled and glanced about the crowd. They were all cheering. They were happy for him, glad he was free. He was nearly overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude and relief. He honestly did not deserve it all.
He suddenly remembered his siblings when Peter wrapped him in a one-arm hug and Susan smiled widely at him with joy. Edmund laughed with them and then turned to Lucy.
The little girl's hands were pressed together. She didn't laugh or shout; only a smile touched her lips. She gazed up at her brother with a mix of happiness and disbelief. Her smile widened when Edmund opened his arms.
He clasped her in his embrace and lifted her up, swinging her in a half-circle before setting her feet back on the ground.
"Thank you, Lu!" he said loudly in her ear before pulling back.
Lucy grinned up at him, understanding. Edmund smiled down at her and squeezed her shoulders. They were still together.